It was a working trip. I was touring with Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, it was our first time in the United States and we were all beside ourselves.    The streets of New York were very enticing and, despite being told to get some sleep before performing the next day, we ended up sneaking out on our first night and had the time of our lives. 

AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?

I've stayed in so many. For something exotic and romantic, the Ritz-Carlton in Cannes springs to mind. But really the hotels I like most are the ones that come with a struggle, such as the two-bit flop house I stayed at in Montmartre, in Paris. You had to step into the hallway to pull the bed down!

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?

I'm always losing phone chargers or losing charge on the road in the middle of nowhere.  This can be catastrophic, so now I have a gadget that gives me three charges for emergencies. 

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?

A perfect holiday now is to just get lost and end up somewhere like Mexico. I've been to many parts of the globe as a babysitter. Children equal resorts, ankle pools, water slides, chicken nuggets and chips. A holiday without kids? Now what would that be like?

WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?

I travel on a Maltese passport and this comes with its own difficulties. Not having the right re-entry visa can nobble you. My best advice is: don't keep all your cards together and keep some money in your sock, get the lay of the land beforehand and local currency is a must.

AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY

Going to Bali for the first time way back in the 70s.  I was told the Blue Lagoon was the killer place to be and cheap. Full security lockdown at Pentridge had more appeal.  This was truly barnyard living - we checked in to a four-star resort the next day.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?

Just recently I played a gig in the Simpson Desert and - thinking that it was going to be hot – packed  lightweight stuff. Yes, it's sunny but boy when night falls it is freezing.  I froze my arse off and had to buy a jumper, which I burned as a sacrifice in respect to the Simpson Desert before I left.

 WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?

All roads are leading to Spain soon then perhaps back to Prague. I love trains, especially in Europe where I can read, relax and savour the scenery.

Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows are on a national tour to support their new album Certified Blue. They will appear at Jazz In The Vines Pokolbin Hunter Valley on Saturday October 25, and Sunday, October 26, at the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival Windsor.